A Moment, Please

Within their temple’s grounds, they work and play:
One drums on sheepskin while one seams a shroud;
One dances stately while one sorts array;
While most are pregnant, two are very proud.
He takes his place upon the altar’s cap –
Then while one lifts a knife and it comes down,
And one holds up the shroud, prepares to wrap,
Their second man’s arrayed with his old crown.
Outside the temple from which they are banned,
The other men lament their absence from
The stately ceremonies of their land,
But hear the far-off sounding of the drum.
They wait to see their king just now made known,
And wait his year of glory on his throne.